FOOD

Community Action Services and Food Bank is the second largest food bank in Utah. Last year, nearly 5 million pounds of food was collected and distributed by the food bank to our partner agencies throughout Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties.

As a food bank, we rely on the generous contributions of our community to help supply our clients and partner agencies with food needed to fight hunger.

Through our grocery rescue program, in partnership with many local grocery stores, we are able to provide many nutritious items such as bread, fresh fruit vegetables, meats, eggs, and dairy products.

Food Bank(n.)

[food bangk]

Storage facility where we collect high-volume foodstuffs for community distribution to large groups and organizations such as schools and churches.

How does the Food Bank work?

For only $1, we can purchase 15 pounds of food! Through our grocery rescue program and our outreach to local farmers and grocery stores, we keep our Food Bank well-stocked with bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and other items in high demand.

Donating Food

Who can donate to the Food Bank?

The Food Bank deals primarily in high-volume donations. If your organization would like to make a large donation, please contact Dave Smith at 801-691-5201.

What can I donate to the Food Bank?

We accept canned food in good condition that has expired within the last four years. Canned meats and fruits are always in high demand. Check out our most needed items!

How do I donate to the Food Bank?

All donations can be dropped off at our Provo location Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. One of our employees will weigh in your donation and send you on your way with a receipt. Drop off after-hours donations through the chute by the warehouse doors.

Increase your impact by considering a financial donation along with your food items.

Receiving Food

How do I receive food from the Food Bank?

If your organization needs a large supply of emergency food items, call Dave Smith at 801-691-5201 for more information.

Food Pantry(n.)

[food pantrē]

Warehouse where we organize emergency food supplies for private individuals. Food items are customized to each individual’s needs.

How does the Food Pantry work?

Our staff and volunteers keep the pantry shelves well stocked with fresh donations. After reviewing their budget with a trained counselor, individuals can “shop” from the supplies displayed on the pantry’s shelves.

Donating Food

Who can donate to the Food Pantry?

The Food Pantry accepts donations from large organizations like grocery stores as well as private individuals. We’re happy to accept any help from members of the community.

What can I donate to the Food Pantry?

We accept canned food in good condition that have expired within the last four years. Canned meats and fruits are always in high demand. Check out our most needed items!

Have any extra produce from your garden? Bring it down; our clients appreciate fresh food just as much as you do!

How do I donate to the Food Pantry?

All donations can be dropped off at our Provo location Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. One of our employees will weigh in your donation and send you on your way with a receipt. Drop off after-hours donations through the chute by the warehouse doors.

Increase your impact by considering a financial donation along with your food items.

Receiving Food

How do I receive food from the Food Pantry?

If you are in need of emergency food assistance, please visit one of our food pantries. At the pantry, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our trained counselors to assess your situation and review your budget. The counselor may also provide referrals to other programs and resources that you may qualify for.

In order to help in this endeavor, it is necessary to bring the following documentation with you to the food pantry when seeking assistance:

Proof of ID

Picture ID for everyone 18 years of age and older

Proof of Current Residence

Utility bill

Lease agreement

One of the Following for Everyone in the Household

Social security Card

Medicare or Medicaid card

Birth certificate

Blessing certificate

Visa

Passport

INS issued document

Proof of Household Income (Any of the following)

Most recent paycheck stub

Bank statement showing direct deposit

Letter of benefits

*During this meeting, a counselor will determine if the food pantry is the appropriate resource to help meet your basic needs and how often you can return to the food bank to receive a food order (enough food to last approximately two weeks).

Call our front desk at 801-373-8200 with questions about how to receive food assistance.

Kids Nutrition Pak

Each week you help us assemble over 1400 packs for kids who face food insecurity in their homes each weekend. The packs contain seven specific items that are easy for children to cook and eat on their own. There are several ways to get involved with Kids Nutrition Paks. You can bring supplies for the project, preassemble packs, or donate money to support the program. Any contribution is greatly appreciated!

Here’s what goes in every pak:

ENTREE
This can be any type of entree, such as EasyMac (TM), a can of ravioli (as long as it’s a pull top), Cup Noodles (TM), or something similar. It needs to be microwaveable and easy for a kid to make.

JUICE
This can be any type of 100% juice in a sturdy container.

GRANOLA BAR
This can be a healthy granola, fiber, or protein bar.

DRIED FRUIT
We’ll accept any type of dried fruit, including fruit leather and raisins. We would also accept a fruit and grain bar as well.

FRUIT POUCH
Each item must be in a single serving pouch or a metal pop-top container.

FRUIT SNACKS
We’ll accept any brand of fruit snacks.

Community Gardens

Community Action Services and Food Bank rents small garden plots to families with limited yard space so that they can grow fresh produce, alongside their neighbors and other community members. All members of the community are welcome to rent a garden plot. There are four community gardens in Provo. Each renter will be responsible for watering, weeding, and maintaining their individual plot. It is $20 to rent a plot for the entire season. Completion of the gardening agreement is required.

Volunteer in one of our community gardens today!

The Potluck: Provo’s Culinary Cultivation Center

Community Action Services and Food Bank offers a commercial kitchen to help start your own business. Small business owners can pay a reduced fee to rent and use the kitchen until they can secure a location of their own. The kitchen has room for food preparation and cooking, but no seating areas. Food can be made on site and then taken to another location or picked up for take-out while the kitchen is being rented. The goal is to help businesses grow and flourish without the extra expense of renting out a permanent space.

Requirements

While Community Action Services and Food Bank ensures that the commercial kitchen meets all health and safety regulations, to use it, individuals must have the following items:

Food Handler Permit

Annual Health Permit

Food Safety Manager Certificate

Liability Insurance

Business License

Tax ID Number

Each of these must be provided along with a detailed business plan that includes financial information. The cost of renting the kitchen is based on a sliding scale, factoring in the amount of time you use the kitchen, as well as federal poverty guidelines. Rent is due on the first of each month.

OUR MISSION

Community Action Services and Food Bank is dedicated to fostering self-reliance in individuals, families, and the community.